This 1929 New Standard D-25 with a Wright R-760-8 radial engine is a 5-seat joy-riding aircraft. Four passenger seating in the front open cockpit can get a bit chummy. It’s best to know your fellow passengers well. The pilot sits in the open rear cockpit. And yes, it was giving rides; although not fully loaded with passengers. Perhaps, the pilot was playing it safe given the relatively short runway.